History
The club was formed in 1910 and played in the Eastern Football Alliance before joining the Central Football League in 1911. It became one of the strongest teams in this competition, winning the Central League in both 1913–14 and 1914–15. The club went on to play in the Eastern Football League, winning that competition in 1915–16, before returning to the Central League.
Football became very popular in the West Lothian mining towns in the period after the First World War. Armadale was established as a strong side and took League club Albion Rovers to a third replay in the Scottish Cup in 1920–21. Armadale was admitted to the newly expanded Second Division in 1921, following the absorption of the Central League. The club performed well in its first season, finishing in third place. This was not to last and Armadale consistently finished in the bottom three positions. Struggling for income at a time of high unemployment, the club suggested allowing a reduced rate of 6d for the unemployed to enter matches, but the plan was vetoed by the League. The club's form on the pitch was weak as well, with a league game against Arthurlie on 1 October 1927 seeing Owen McNally set a Scottish League record (since equalled) of scoring eight goals in a match.
To generate revenue, Armadale used Volunteer Park for greyhound racing. The League management committee issued guidance that greyhound racing tracks should not interfere with the football pitch. League officials found that the racing track covered all of the Volunteer Park pitch. The League ordered the club to cease greyhound racing, which had become their greatest source of income. Failure to provide match guarantees to visiting teams saw the club expelled from the League after 17 matches of the 1932–33 season. Their record for that season was expunged. The club soon disappeared, replaced in the town by junior club Armadale Thistle.
Read more about this topic: Armadale F.C.
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